New champion to be crowned as defending Skipper Cup holders fall to Malolo

Malolo has edged defending Skipper Cup champions Nadroga 23-22 in a thrilling quarter-final clash at the home of Nadroga rugby, Lawaqa Park.

Aminiasi Naituiyaga, namesake of former Fiji 7s player and Nadroga flanker known as the Steelman, scored the opening try for Malolo in the fifth minute to give his side an early lead.

Their halfback crossed over again in the eighth minute, extending Malolo’s lead to 10-0.

Nadroga appeared shell-shocked from the opening whistle and were on the back foot for much of the first half, trailing 20-10 at halftime.

Malolo maintained their composure in the second half, opening the scoring through a penalty,however, Swire Shipping Fijian Drua fullback Ilaisa Drosese representing Nadroga crashed over for a try in the 70th minute to narrow the deficit to 23-22.

Despite immense pressure in the dying stages, Malolo held firm defensively to secure a famous victory and knock out the reigning champions.

Looking at other results, Namosi defeated Nadi 35-17,Kadavu beat Nadroga 31-29,while Suva defeated Lautoka 38-32.

Finals